September 2012 Stigma, and other Barriers to Treatment hailed a …€¦ · provided the NIDAC...

ATCA E-News September 2012: 1

The 2012 Symposium inLaunceston lived up toits name and was haileda success by the 130delegates whoattended during thethree days.

The Symposium themewas chosen in

recognition of the complexity of the challenges nowfacing us as we work with the many issues andconcerns which people bring to treatment. TheSymposium asked us to consider those who are not,for a variety of reasons, adequately included in ourresident populations. It was a “Field of Dreams”challenge – build it and they will come, and built onfrom the previous theme of “No Closed Doors”addressed in 2011 in Fremantle.

The site visit to Missiondale included Q&A session

As would be expected – responses to speakers varied,but overall everyone found something within theSymposium that appealed, challenged and wasrelevant to their work. Others will also sift throughinformation in the coming weeks as they considertheir resident populations. In this regard I amreminded of a colleague of mine who many years agoembarked on some training in working with sexualabuse issues. Afterwards she remarked howsuddenly she had an influx of clients who hadsuffered sexual abuse. In reality they were always

there – she was now attuned to issues and her clientswere recognizing her understanding and expertise –build it and they will come.

If our services aren’t receiving referrals from peoplefrom culturally diverse populations – why not? Don’tthese populations have substance use problems?How are we now working with same sex attractedsubstance users? The statistics around suicide areparticularly alarming for this group. How are we ableto better support and refer where necessary thosewho our services are unable to include, and how arewe able to modify treatment interventions, wherepossible, to meet population demands – such as forthose with ABI? This is the “no closed doors”message. These were some of the questions andchallenges posed by the Symposium.

Ronnie Burns wasseen as a greatchoice as the openerof the Symposium,and his story andwork withdisadvantaged and illchildren inspiring.The plenary andsymposia sessions(designed to providethe opportunity forall delegates to hearas many of thepresentations as

possible, rather than breaking into too manybreakout groups) offered something for everyone.

The keynote speakers were chosen as they were ableto address particular areas of interest and concern –but not always from the TC perspective. In simpleterms, they provide the ‘big picture’ or ‘blue sky’perspective – and then the breakout sessionshopefully pull these concepts down into TCimplementation. The plenary sessions also ask us toconsider the ways in which we might pick up thethemes within our own work and TCs, and consider

September 2012

Stigma, and otherBarriers to Treatment

Stigma, and other Barriers to Treatmenthailed a great success












September 2012














September 2012




how we might address the issues raised by thespeakers.

Dr Nicole Lee and Mark Lamont addressed the topicof acquired brain injury, with delegates commenting,“Nicole – simplified concepts well”. “Mark Lamont –very relevant, well presented, interesting”.

A number of delegates commented on personalpresentations within the panel session, andparticularly appreciated John Shevlin’s candor andopenness about the funding process and theGovernment’s willingness to work with the sector todevelop better processes for the future. Commentsabout individual presentations included, “Jann Smith– spoke with clarity, common sense in relation tofunding – how it should be considered and long termoutcome considerations.”

As members will know, 2013 is an important year forthe ATCA as our current funding cycle comes to anend, and we will therefore be looking for continuedGovernment support to maintain the Secretariat.Our current funding provides 1FTE – which is dividedbetween Lynne (18 hrs per week) and Bec (20 hrs perweek). I’m sure you will do the math and understandthat we both end up with a great deal of time in lieu– and also hence my (Lynne’s) early risings in order toget through ATCA work as well as other roles. Wewere also unsuccessful in gaining capacity buildingfunds in 2012 which would have enabled us toemploy a further staff member to more effectivelysupport members through the peer review process,and this remains a priority in the coming year. Thissession was therefore an important one for us andhaving John Shevlin involved for so much of theSymposium was a tremendous help to him inunderstanding the work of TCs.

Bungara Aboriginal Dance Troupe

Rodney Croome was the keynote speaker onWednesday morning, presenting on discrimination,prejudice and stigma, all factors which put the mentalhealth of LGBTI people at risk and increase their rateof alcohol and drug misuse. Delegates commented,“His nature and the content was calming andextremely relevant” and “Excellent/powerful”. Theissues were also challenging – with a number of TCsengaged in a wider discussion about how they canbest work with this client group.

On Wednesday, Dr John Howard provided one of thestand-out presentations in the Symposia Sessions,with comments such as, “Research balanced withhuman/relevance/connection. Well informed.”“Clarity, simplicity, researched and humorous”recorded by delegates. The words of the youngpeople in the studies were at times blunt and evenshocking – but the message was clear and delegatesresponded positively and thoughtfully to John’spresentation. Another noted, “The entire morningsession was eye opening and an area of personalinterest”.

Connie Donato-Hunt specifically looked at the issuespresented in working with people from culturallydiverse populations, with a number of delegatescommenting, “Connie was excellent!” and “Wellpresented and informative”.

The presentation by Caisley Sinclair and TimMcNamara, who had made the journey toLaunceston from the Tangentyere Council in theNorthern Territory, had tremendous impact, withdelegates commenting, “Honest and true grass rootswork with Indigenous people; very powerful;inspiring”.

The concerns for Indigenous Australians was alsobrought to our attention by Denise Gilchrist, whoprovided the NIDAC policy on Fetal Alcohol SyndromeDisorder; an issue which previously Anne Russell hadbrought to our attention as a disorder affecting bothIndigenous and non-Indigenous children. This is alsoan area of Government and sector concern, with theFederal Government recently announcing support forfurther research and the Foundation for AlcoholResearch and Education (FARE) releasing new workaround this in the past week.

Dr Richard Chenhall and Dr Peter Kelly were alsohighly endorsed, and as we move forward in thedevelopment of TC research in Australia, we lookforward to working more closely with these two


























researchers to develop a body of research evidenceon the value of TC treatment.

Wednesday saw the inclusion of the breakoutsessions – and I want to thank most sincerely thosewho provided papers in these sessions. Somedelegates thought there should be more – and theorganisers, while trying to achieve the balancebetween plenary and symposia sessions and breakoutgroups, would agree. However, these sessions aredetermined largely by the papers offered. TC people

are very good at DOING – but not always so good atTELLING THE STORY.

Papers from Bruce Brown, Gerard Byrne, DavidPullen, Bec Davey, Camilla Rowland, Yvonne Devey,Karen & John Bartlett, Linda Beltrame, Eric Allen,Wendy Shannon and Jackie Long provided a pictureof the work being undertaken by TCs and were allhighly appreciated. Thank you for making the effortto provide an abstract and then to develop thepresentation – we look forward to hearing more ofthe work of TCs in 2013.

Other papers in these sessions were also highlyendorsed – although fewer delegates had theopportunity to hear these presentations. MarkLingwood’s presentation on the work beingundertaken by Queensland Police in partnershipworking with Aboriginal youth was inspiring. EttyMatalon’s presentation also scored highly anddelegates were able see the opportunity to includethis and other evidence-based interventions intotheir programs.

The voice of residents or consumers could be heardstrongly in Gerard Byrne’s presentation on Thursday,and this provided personal and organisationalchallenges for many – which had been first ignited byCaisley Sinclair and Tim McNamara on Wednesday.As we consider the way in which we work withAboriginal populations – both in urban and remotelocations, the issues raised by Denise Gilchrist inrelation to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and thevoices brought to the symposium by Gerard, Caisleyand Tim are a reminder of the depth of the problemand the extent of the challenges ahead.

Thursday was brought to a fitting and inspiring closeby Dr David Best – with delegate comments including,“I remember him last year and he presents aprofessional paper but makes it interesting. Pleasemore of him next year.” “His dynamic presentation –to be fed stats and data and hell, I enjoyed it! Stats

can usually bore me to ripping off limbs! Well done.”“How do you bottle this stuff and feed it to our policymakers and our residents and staff?”

Some have suggested that next year we include aRecovery Walk as part of the 2013 Conference, andthis and other suggestions coming out of this year’ssymposium will be considered by the 2013 OrganisingCommittee.

The WHOS crew at the Awards Dinner and one extraKiwi hiding in the background

The results overall to the Symposium were also verypositive, and provided constructive comments andcriticism. One of the issues which has often causedsome discussion is the way in which we arrange thedinner. Do we include it in the price of theregistration and therefore have everyone attend (inFremantle this would have meant finding a venue toseat 290 people) or do we allow it as an optionalextra –as we have traditionally done? The price ofthe dinner includes food and beverages andentertainment – and it is of course understood thatnot everyone will take part in all aspects. The mostimportant part of the dinner is, however, the awardspresentation – and this is considered highlyimportant as it recognises the work being achieved byindividuals and programs.

We are also very aware as an organisation about theplace of alcohol, with a belief that if provided thisshould be done in a responsible fashion. It istherefore worth noting that this year the cost ofalcoholic drinks was no more than the cost of non-alcoholic drinks – however, we are considering infuture that the cost of the dinner can be reduced bynot providing any drinks at all (either alcoholic ornon-alcoholic) and asking delegates to purchase theirown.




























The choice of dinner menu is also very difficult. It issimply not feasible to order from the menu for a sit-down meal for 105 people (or potentially more ifdinner is included in the registration). However, asmorgasbord (as at NIDAC this year) could be apossibility. Once again, these are some ideas for nextyear’s organisers to consider.

The Live Life Well group from Queensland

Organisation of the annual conferences is usuallyundertaken by a local committee, backed up by theSecretariat (Lynne) to handle all registrations,finances and general administration. In Perth thisincluded representatives of Palmerston, CyrenianHouse and Serenity Lodge, linked back to the ATCABoard through Carol Daws. This year’s much smallercommittee of Anne Koops and Eddie Everett atMissiondale, and Jann Smith from ATDC did afantastic job – with all registrations, administration,development and printing of program, name badges,running sheets and financial matters being handledback in Canberra by Lynne.

As can be appreciated, there is a huge hidden cost inthis – with the organising committee giving their timethrough their own organisations to develop and hostthe event.

Next year we will again return to a larger teamrepresented by five organisations, and operating nineTCs in Queensland.

As evaluation forms were completed on the sessionsby a large number of delegates, these have provideda good indication of overall satisfaction with papersand presentations during the various sessions. Fewerdelegates provided feedback on the overallSymposium (registration process, content and qualityof the Symposium, venue, food and beverages anddinner). Results were positive, with 26/30 peopleindicating they were satisfied with the registration

process, 24/27 stating they were happy with thecontent of the Symposium program, 24/27 were verysatisfied or satisfied with the quality of theSymposium and 21/25 endorsed the choice of venue.The majority (21/26) were also happy with food andbeverages and 18/25 satisfied with the dinner andawards ceremony.

Feedback from all evaluations has been provided tothe organisers, speakers and the 2013 OrganisingCommittee for consideration. In addition to theoverall satisfaction ratings, results of the sessionquestionnaires have been analysed and feedback hasbeen provided to the speakers along with thecomments recorded.

This was my first ATCA Symposium and I washappy with content and look forward to next year

Enjoyed Symposium and obtained goodinformation to inform future service practice anddirection

Thank you – really enjoyed networking Thanks for an inspiring few days Would like to see more interactive workshops and

a little less sitting. However, also appreciated ½day beginning and end – great idea

Everything was good Food limited, prefer to be given a choice Some healthy food options in tea breaks would be

great Food – especially breakfast was a 10/10 I’d like more content on actually working with

client issues – was not enough of that Missiondale tour was great David Best – excellent WiFi situation was frustrating Two presentations stood out for me – David Best

and Nicole Lee – both were insightful and thoughtprovoking but give us considerable hope for futureendeavours. I am particularly interested in theRecovery Walks

I felt the Symposium focus was good, howevercould have captured a broader understanding ofhow stigma impacts those from an AODbackground

Overall the Symposium was well run and helpedprovide a good idea how ATCA supports members

Venue was lacking professionally – no heating Great Symposium with lots of interesting and

relevant presentations. Keynotes great. Could beshorter presentations. Two full days better than2.5 and 1 day












































It would be good if you could record sessions – lotof info to take in and digest all at once

Would have preferred to hear from Missiondaleand team and how they run their TC

Awards night – an amazing night – thank you Wednesday – some of the sessions were a bit dry Often at these sessions we learn practical

components like art therapy or drumming – mightbe good next year

Great job Lynne and Co Venue – seating a bit problematic because difficult

to take notes and look at speakers on the podium. Dinner/Food/Beverage – Special diet food a bit

uncreative. Cost of dinner to have 2 options – a.with alcohol, b. without (people can get drinkvouchers – it makes more economical andresponsible service of alcohol)

Well done! Excellent conference and thepresenters/topics were well selected

The strengths of the Symposium were described as: Bringing everyone together Topics and discussions To provoke thought – even if I don’t like their

view Networking opportunity Sense of community Appreciation of each other and diversity of

services Very well organised and quality ATCA

involvement – well done! Good range of topics however more sessions

to discuss what each other is doing inindividual TCs would be good

Well organised, interesting content Range of specific issues discussed, all

addressing the broader theme Variety of papers Opportunity to network That many TCs do great work Amount of people Networking, recognizing challenges and how

to overcome them Speakers and organisation Lots of variety

This year there were seven people recognised fortheir 10 year contribution to the TC movement.

Focus on TCs Connection, sharing learning. More re TCs

and differences The networking opportunities were countless,

being from a small TC, the sharing of ideasand strategies with other organisations wasinvaluable

As we move forward with the organisation of nextyear’s conference, all these comments and the resultsof evaluations will become invaluable for next year’sorganisers.

Finally – on behalf of the membership, I would like tothank everyone who presented – our keynotespeakers, symposia and breakout session speakersfor providing such a wonderful range of papers, forchallenging us to think more deeply about somedifficult issues and for providing us with a picture ofhow they have been able to address issues of stigmaand other barriers to treatment.

A final thanks to Anne, Eddie and Jann in Tasmania –to Reuben (Anne and Rob’s talented son) and hisband, “The Letters” for providing entertainment atthe opening event and the dinner, and the AboriginalDancers, Bungara, for their performance on Tuesdayevening.

Most of the presentations have been made availableand will shortly be placed on the ATCA website, as isour usual practice following a conference orsymposium. We are currently seeking permissionfrom all presenters before sending through foruploading to the webpage.

Our thanks also to the 2012 Symposium sponsors –Alcohol and Drug Services Tasmania, for coming onboard as a bronze sponsor, and the Foundation forAlcohol Research and Education (FARE) for providingscholarships which enabled the attendance of ninepresenters and delegates.

Thank you also to all delegates – we look forward toseeing you next year in Queensland.

Miekel Rose has worked with Karralika Programs inthe ACT since 2001, undertaking a variety ofimportant roles within the organisation. First

Awardees recognised at the Symposium Dinner in Launceston


employed as a Night Supervisor, Miekel then went onto take the roles of Case Worker and Intake Officer, aposition he held for a number of years. He nowworks with Karralika Programs as Senior CaseManager within the Karuna eight-week short-stayprogram, in addition to facilitating the KarralikaPrograms’ Sober Driver Program.

Graham and Christine Tamsett have both worked asSalvation Army Officers for 28 years, and have beenwith the Salvation Army’s Recovery Services TCs forthe last 12½ years. Working in the Gold Coast andBrisbane programs, they have provided theopportunity to assist the Salvation Army as it movesmore fully to embrace the TC method.

Ian Lewis has worked with Odyssey House Victoriawithin four different roles – including Business OfficeManager, Trainer in Administration to Residents,Counsellor and Gender Group Counsellor, and TCOperations Manager. He is an enthusiasticcontributor to the staff team, and also coaches thefootball team and fun runners.

Scott and Jacqui Warrington commenced work withthe Salvation Army as Officers over 16 years ago, andhave been part of the Salvation Army’s RecoveryServices TCs for the last 10½ years in the Gold Coast,Blue Mountains and now at the Canberra RecoveryServices.

Pat Williams joined Odyssey House Auckland as aBoard member before taking on the important role ofCompliance and Quality Manager 15 years ago. Inthis role she ensures that Odyssey is compliant withall regulations pertaining to Health and Safety, Fire,Infection Control and Quality processes and providesproject management for major capital buildingprojects.

Christine Tamsett, Graham Tamsett, Miekel Rose, IanLewis, Scott Warrington, Jacqui Warrington & Pat

Williams with their 10 year service awards

Special awards for Important Contribution to theDevelopment of the TC within an Organisation wereawarded to two others.

Leon Gordon has worked with the Salvation Armysince 2005. He is a passionate and committed workerwho has become ‘fired up’ with the TC model, andhas played a key role in supporting the SalvationArmy’s Recovery Services to embrace the concept oftherapeutic community. He takes an active role inthe promotion of TCs within the wider healthcommunity, and brings his knowledge through studyand discussion to the ‘decision table’ when looking atpolicies, procedures and mentoring of staff.

Mary Jibson has been a member of Fresh Hope for 11years and has served on the Board for eight, withseven of these as President. She has played asignificant role within the organisation in ensuring itis financially viable, including the purchase of a sevenacre property and donation of program buildings.Her career objective is ‘to make a difference in thisworld before falling off the twig’.

Leon Gordon and Mary Jibson

The award for SignificantContribution by aProgram, Service orIntervention, recognisesan exemplary orcommendablecontribution to theTherapeutic Communitymovement in Australasiamade by a program,service or intervention.This year there were twowinners in this category –both coming fromWestern Australia. Wendy Shannon from

Palmerston Association






























Palmerston Association has established a uniquepartnership with Murdoch University to provide aninnovative, holistic and effective treatment programfor residents of the TC with musculoskeletal pain, acommon health issue for clients of TC services. This isbased on a biopsychosocial model of care withconsideration for the physical, emotional, social,economic and spiritual needs of the person, theirresponse to illness and the effect of the illness on theirability to meet self-care needs.

The chiropractic partnership provides a non-pharmaceutical approach to pain and has been foundthrough research to be at least as effective as usualmedical care, which includes pharmaceuticaltreatment, for the management of spinal pain.

Cyrenian House received the second award in thiscategory for the ongoing development of culturalcompetency within the context of the mainstream TC.The TC’s Women and Children’s Program, whichcomprises 14 family houses, consistently records anIndigenous resident population of 30-50%, and acrossboth parent and mixed gender programs, retention ofAboriginal residents in treatment has increased, withmany now completing 3rd and 4th stages of treatment.A key indicator of effectiveness has been the referral offamily members to the TC by other Aboriginalresidents.

The TC demonstrates best practice through thedevelopment of a Reconciliation Action Plan,employment of two fulltime Aboriginal AOD supportworker positions (both male and female), mandatorycultural security training for all staff, and granting of

ceremonial leave inrecognition ofcultural obligations.The program hasalso established anAboriginal MeetingPlace on theproperty as part ofthe CommunityDays.

CEO Carol Daws,Jennie Hamilton andMitch Peasley fromCyrenian House

The final presentation of the evening was made to aperson who had made a significant contribution to

the TC movement over a considerable period of time,and was awarded to Goldbridge CEO, Charlie Blatch.

Charlie first began working within therapeuticcommunities in the early 1970s, commencing in theUK at the Ley Community – the second TC to beestablished in that country. In 1980 he establishedKillara House in Albury, moving it to the countrycommunity of Granya in north east Victoria, where itwas – quite ironically – established in the old GranyaPub. Other roles have included Director of theAlcohol and Drug Foundation ACT, which included aperiod of significant development, and – for morethan 15 years – CEO of Goldbridge on the Gold Coast,where he has developed the program from a smallresidential service to an evidenced-based TCincluding transitional, educational and community-based support services.

Charlie was afounding member ofthe ATCA in 1986,and has served invarious roles,including President,working with theAssociation toencourage newmembers and tobuild knowledge ofthe TC model. He ismost likely theperson in Australiawith the longest

period of service to the TC movement – and hasplayed a key role in Australia since 1980 to developand build the model.

The ATCA congratulates all award winners for yourcontinuing contribution to TCs in Australia.

The ATCA AGM was held during the LauncestonSymposium, with representatives of 14 organisationsattending. The AGM received the reports of Chair(Barry Evans) and Treasurer (Gerard Byrne) andconsidered the 2011-2012 financial report, whichshowed a profit of $49,900. While a reduction on lastyear, it is indicative of the additional workundertaken on behalf of the membership – andparticularly in the development of the ATCA Standardand the 11 peer reviews conducted in the past 12months.

ATCA Board election results
































The AGM confirmed the election of the threemembers whose nominations had been received bythe advertised date. These were: Barry Evans, CarolDaws and Jackie Long. Also continuing on the Boardfor another year are Directors James Pitts, Eric Allan,Gerard Byrne and Garth Popple. Appointed memberMitchell Giles will also maintain his position foranother year and the Board will consider theappointment of a second co-opted member at itsmeeting in October.

The Board received some enquiries from TC membersregarding the process in coming onto the Board – andmembers are encouraged to consider standing nextyear. The process of election is outlined in theConstitution and nominations are called two monthsbefore the AGM, with a closing date four weeks priorto the AGM. Where there are more nominationsthan the number of vacancies, an election forpositions is held at the AGM. This year, there beingthree nominations for the three positions, a motionto appoint the three nominees was moved andpassed by the membership.

Following the AGM, a meeting was held by the Boardand the following appointed to Executive positions:Barry Evans (The Buttery) as Chair, Garth Popple(WHOS) as Deputy Chair, Gerard Byrne (SalvationArmy Recovery Services) as Treasurer and Eric Allan(Odyssey House Victoria) Secretary and Public Officer.All are congratulated on their election to positions.

Delegates at the Symposium were able to get a firstpreview of the developing and revamped ATCAwebsite, which we will be launching before the end ofthe current calendar year.

The new site will include many of the features of theprevious site, but is being developed to be far moreinteractive and informative – for both TCs and othersin the wider sector and community. New featuresinclude Resident Success Stories and Reflectionsprovided by residents who have undertaken TCtreatment in one of our many ATCA services.

There is also a directory of services which will providereferral information for health care professionals –where a click on the map of Australia and NewZealand will take the person to the TCs in thatjurisdiction. Once there, information on each of theTCs in that state or territory will include a description

of services offered, referral and contact information,photos of facilities and programs and a link to the TCsown webpage.

In the past year, the Secretariat has receivednumerous calls from health care professionalswishing to refer to TC services, including one from aGP in Melbourne who had a patient in his surgerywanting to find a suitable TC. We were then able todiscuss the patient’s particular needs and to make areferral for treatment to two possible TCs in real time– while the patient was meeting with the doctor.

While it is understood that each program then has itsown assessment process, being able to gaininformation on services offered in order to refersomeone is hugely important – particularly if theperson is showing readiness to change. Matchingclients with suitable treatment options has beenshown to be most effective and therefore providinginformation to direct enquiries ultimately of benefitto potential residents and referring agents.

Once again, while a number of TCs have updated theinformation and photographs ready for migration tothe new site – others have not. In the interim, theinformation on the current site will be broughtacross. However, please provide new information inthe format requested as soon as possible so that thewebsite can be completed. A reminder will come outby email in the coming week.

Due to the timing of this year’s AGM, the AnnualReport had not been completed for distribution, andis currently still being developed. There are anumber of organisations that have not yet providedtheir information for the report, and emails willtherefore be going out very soon to those who arestill to provide a report for inclusion in the AnnualReport.

The Annual Report provides an importantpromotional and advocacy tool for the ATCA and itsmembers. It is widely distributed to Government andcommunity organisations, and forms the basis offunding and sponsorship applications.

If you haven’t already provided your 2011-2012report, please get it ready – we will be calling for it inthe next week.

ATCA Website in development ATCA Annual Report

September 2012 Stigma, and other Barriers to Treatment hailed a …€¦ · provided the NIDAC...

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